BLOODROOT Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot plants are prized by gardeners for their large showy white flowers, which are produced very early in the gardening season. Some cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Bloodroot grows from 20 to 50 cm (7.9 to 19.7 in) tall. It has one large basal leaf, up to 12 cm (4.7 in) across, with five to nine lobes. The leaves and flowers sprout from a reddish rhizome with bright orange sap that grows at or slightly below the soil surface. The rhizomes grow longer each year, and branch to form colonies. Plants start to bloom before the foliage unfolds in early spring. After blooming the leaves expand to their full size and go summer dormant in mid to late summer.
The flowers bloom from March to May depending on the region and weather. They have 8-12 delicate white petals and yellow stamens.
Bloodroot plants produce toxins, and therefor is recommended as an ornamental plant only. Bloodroot on the skin may destroy tissue and lead to the formation of a large scab, called an eschar. The use of gloves when handling is recommended.
Type: Hardy perennial
Location: Part or full
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Note: This plant species is known to have toxicity. The ingestion of these seeds or this plant can cause serious illness or death
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cool area (but not freezing) for 8-10 weeks. Once the cool period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period. Bloodroot require some patience to germinate, but are well worth the wait!
